Prognosis: Perforated Eardrum

So my ear was still hurting this morning and I decided to go to the doctor. I got there right when they opened, hoping I could just walk into an appointment. No such luck, come back at 10:45 to see the Nurse Practictioner. So I did ... and yeah, she told me that my left eardrum is perforated. Basically I have a hole in my eardrum. She wanted me to see the Ear, Nose, & Throat doctor to see what he would like me to do for it. She gave me a prescription and a nasal spray and gave me some phone numbers.

Luckily I found one ENT who had a cancellation at 1pm, so I was able to see him today. Just as she suspected, it is definitely a hole. Not a very large one, as far as holes in eardrums are concerned, but a hole nonetheless. So now what? It should heal on its own within about a month. So, I can't get it wet first of all. That means earplugs in the shower, and no swimming. What about the triathlon I'm doing in 4 weeks? Yeah ... well I go back to him in 2 weeks and then we'll see. He said I can probably do it, but I'll definitely have to wear earplugs (if you get water in it, it can get infected). I also need to take sudafed before my Labor Day trip otherwise the cabin pressure changes in the airplane could screw things up again (however, since the hole is already there, it can't really do any more damage, it would just be uncomfortable). I'll take the medication and see how things go.

When I asked him about the triathlon, after I'd asked him about my trip next weekend, he said "wow you're really active aren't you?" ha ha ... I'd like to think so sometimes anyway. Maybe I shouldn't be if this is where it leads! Why is it that I can't do anything fun without something bizarre happening to me that sends me to a new doctor that I have to add to my list? AAHHH. Oh well, it could always be worse. I just don't want to know how!!